Page 49 of She Wolf

Casey passes Gunner a beer as he gets up out of the hammock and holds one out for me also, but I decline.

Because it’s ten am.

Anna sidles up next to Casey and he instinctively wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her in tight. She gives me a slight nod and I clasp my hands together.

“So, boys. I think we need a chat,” I start, leading them to the sun chairs. “We can see that the way the season ended has upset you, and we get it, truly, but you weren’t even this sad last year. I’m just wondering if there is anything we can do to make you feel better, faster?”

“And by better, we don’t mean with boobs. It’s not good to wallow like this. You did so well, you should be proud of yourselves. We’re just worried is all,” Anna finishes quietly.

“Shit. I’m sorry.” Casey puts his beer down and lets out a sigh, but Gunner is the one to speak up.

“Last year we didn’t even deserve to be bottom of the league but this season, we crushed it. We had some of the highest goal scorers and it just fucking sucks to be out of the chase. You know?”

“We do and we feel it too. How about you take one more day to wallow and then we’ll start fresh tomorrow?” I reach out to pat both of their hands. “I kinda need help with some apartment and house viewings,” I beam.

Both their heads snap to mine. Gunner squints. “One more day, then we’ll get our act together. Promise,” Gunner says, placing his hand on my thigh.

After a beat Casey clears his throat. “So, this is going well?” he says looking at Gunner but thumbing towards me.

“Yep. She’s my lady, aren’t you?” Gunner leans and pecks me on the lips. It’s chaste but it makes his point just as Knox and Adam return from wherever last night led them. Even with shades on I can tell they look like hell.

Casey turns surveying the both of them as they fall into the free chairs beside us.

“Hey, assholes. One more day of drowning your sorrows then we’re putting this

season to bed, getting back to training, and having an awesome summer. Got it?”

They nod their heads in agreement, but it looks like it hurts.

***

The entourage I find myself with while meeting potential landlords is a little overboard, to say the least. Callan came out of hiding and Rex is back, relaxed and rejuvenated. I’ve viewed four apartments up to now and so far, the boys have been to see every single one with me.

Count that.

That’s six giant hockey players intimidating and making the poor property owners or realtors sweat and stumble over their words. Ridiculous. Today though, I’m going to view the last on the list. If this one doesn’t pan out it’s back to the drawing board for us. Today though it’s just me, Casey, and Gunner.

I jump in the back of the car freeing up the front seat for Gunner.

“This one is a little closer, not so far out. It’s a two-bed, one bathroom and has a yard for Jack. Let’s try not to scare anyone off. Okay?” I say, eyeing them both as I buckle up.

They turn their heads and nod their agreement, but the amusement dancing across their faces tells me they’re not going to listen.

We’re not in the car long before the GPS tells us we’re half a mile away and the area we drive through looks really nice. Trees line the streets, and the houses are small and seem well looked after—like the owners have taken great pride in their homes.

Casey signals onto Cherry Tree Lane and then pulls into the driveway of a cottage-style house. I love it immediately and my body is leaping from my seat before Casey has even put the car in park.

I’m careful not to walk on the well-maintained lawn or the beautiful flowers that line the borders that are in full bloom as I take in the storybook house. There’s enough room on the drive for two cars and the woodwork and door look freshly painted—white, sharp, smart, and bright. I can feel how wide my smile is as it practically splits my face in two, making Gunner laugh and Casey shake his head.

“Coralie. We need to check a few things out before you move all your stuff in. Try to remember that.”

“But it’s so cute and pretty,” I sigh worrying they’ll act like assholes in here. I really like it. But before I can give them their warning an elderly man opens the door beckoning us in. His face is kind, and his smile is genuine.

“Hello, I’m Otto Jones. I own the house with my wife, Ellen.” He points to a lady standing in the kitchen and Casey and Gunner shake his free hand as he welcomes us inside.

The furniture is dated, but the spaces have also been freshly painted in a gorgeous duck egg blue with white paintwork and the open layout is generous in size. Ellen is in the kitchen pouring out three glasses of what looks like homemade lemonade. She hands them out with shaky hands, the ice clinking as we take them with a thank you.

“This is a really lovely place you have here,” Gunner says making the couple gaze at each other with such warmth it makes my heart ache a little.

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